Various anti-cancer organizations, essentially, those involving support groups and psychological therapy, are overwhelmingly popular as psychological therapy across the world. When people face special difficulties, hollow comfort is not only unhelpful, but harmful and even offensive. For people who undergoing similar special experiences and suffering, a support group filled with sharing and encouragement can be extremely helpful in tiding over difficulties.
Cancer patients in particular are forced to face terrible psychological stress caused by the disease; moreover, they have to also confront various emotional problems aroused by the transformation of their lives psychologically after they develop cancer. To this end, psychological adjustment is an integral part of treatment. The facts also demonstrate that patients who achieve effective recovery are always healthier mentally.
A study jointly carried out by Stanford University and the University of California in Berkeley shows that cancer patients have three times the likelihood of surviving longer than most if they join collective treatment providing emotional and social support. Patients may have more access to expressing their feelings through support groups, which are also a way to relieve a sense of loneliness. Studies made by these medical psychologists also show that these practices improve patient confidence and their quality of life. Patients are therefore able to focus more on their treatment, which may also impact on their immune system.
According to Zhao Wenshuo, doctor of oncology at the Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, only 30 percent of patients do their best to follow doctors' instructions, while 30 to 40 percent are negligent. Cancer patients easily suffer depression, related to their mental and emotional states. As a result, it is recommended that cancer patients join these anti-cancer organizations to improve their mental state. They may learn through others?experiences on how to be more optimistic by taking anti-cancer stars as role models.
For those patients who might feel more depressed when placed together with other patients, Dr. Zhao says, a good criterion of one's psychological state is a feeling of relaxation, rather than reluctance, when joining others. In addition, those who have strong resistance to venturing outside, and do not want to try the treatment, should then go for timely psychological assistance. They should try to cure their depression through scientific psychological therapy or medication, and continue treatment based on medical care, supplemented with exercise. Instead of just doing exercises with a set goal, it is recommended they work out properly for better health.
